Peach tree named ‘Spring Bliss’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Tree with a vigorous, upright growth habit.   2. Regular and productive bearer of large size fruit.   3. Fruit with attractive dark red skin color.   4. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality.   5. Fruit with good storage and shipping quality.

Botanical designation: Prunus persica.

Variety denomination: ‘Spring Bliss’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuing plant-breeding program including the organization and asexual reproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against this background of our activities that the present variety of peach tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of peach trees, which are known to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Country Sweet’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,090), ‘Rich Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,290), ‘Earlitreat’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,842), ‘Sugar Time’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,046) and our proprietary non-patented peach seedling ‘178LE177’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica) was developed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. as a first generation cross between our proprietary non-patented peach seedling selection ‘178LE177’ and ‘Earlitreat’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,842). The seed parent (178LE177) originated as a first generation cross between ‘Country Sweet’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 11,090) and ‘Rich Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,290). A large number of these first generation seedlings were planted and maintained on their own root system. Under close and careful observation we recognized the desirable tree and fruit characteristics of the present seedling and selected it in 1999 for additional asexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

In 1999 asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of peach tree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), as performed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established and transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present new variety of peach tree (Prunus persica) is of large size, vigorous, upright growth and a regular and productive bearer of large size, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. The fruit is further characterized by its attractive dark red skin color and good handling and storage quality. In comparison to its seed parent (178LE177) the fruit of the new variety is larger in size and is approximately 24 days earlier in maturity. In comparison to its pollen parent ‘Earlitreat’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,842) the fruit of the new variety has a higher degree of red skin color and is approximately 21 days later in maturity. In comparison to the commercial variety ‘Sugar Time’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,046) the fruit of the new variety is approximately 35 days earlier in maturity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimens of the foliage and fruit of the present new peach variety.

The illustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, an exterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its suture plane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.

The photographic illustiation was taken shortly after being picked (shipping ripe) from a 16 year old tree and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety of peach tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations of 16 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color in accordance with Munsell Book of Color published in 1958.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and             width for economical harvesting of fruit. Size varies with             different cultural practices.         -   Vigor.—Vigorous, growth of 1.5 to 2 meters in height and             width the first growing season. Varies slightly with type             and fertility of soil, climatic conditions and cultural             practices.         -   Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.         -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 30°,             increases with heavy crop load.         -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit             necessary for desired market size fruit. Number of fruit set             varies with climatic conditions during blooming period.         -   Bearer.—Regular, has had adequate fruit set 14 consecutive             years. No alternate bearing observed.         -   Fertility.—Self fertile.         -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to             increase air movement and sunlight to enhance fruit color             and health of fruit wood.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of             California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter             chilling requirement approximately 650 hours at or below 45°             F. -   Trunk:     -   -   Size.—Large, average circumference 59.7 cm at 25.4 cm above             ground on a 16 year old tree.         -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.         -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.         -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 7/2 to 2.5Y 5/2. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 16.0 cm at 1.2 meters             above ground. Crotch angle approximately 30°, increases with             heavy crop load.         -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth             medium rough, roughness increases with age.         -   Lenticels.—Average number 10 in a 25.8 square cm area.             Average length 4.4 mm. Average width 1.9 mm. Color varies             from 7.5YR 7/8 to 7.5YR 6/10.         -   Color.—New growth varies from 5GY 7/6 to 5GY 6/6. Mature             growth varies from 7.5YR 3/4 to 10YR 3/4, varies with age of             growth. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 110.6 mm. Average width 39.2             mm.         -   Form.—Lanceolate.         -   Apex.—Acuminate.         -   Base.—Cuneate.         -   Margin.—Serrate.         -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight             indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface             relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib             and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces             glabrous.         -   Petiole.—Average length 8.8 mm. Average width 1.4 mm.             Longitudinally grooved. Surface — glabrous. Color varies             from 2.5GY 4/6 to 5GY 4/6.         -   Glands.—Type — reniform. Size — small to medium. Average             length 1.0 mm. Average diameter 0.6 mm. Number varies from 2             to 4, average number 3. Located primarily on base of leaf             blade and upper portion of petiole. Color varies from 10Y             7/6 to 2.5GY 6/6.         -   Stipules.—Average number 2. Average length 8.3 mm. Edges —             pectinate. Color varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY 6/6.         -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 3/6 to 7.5GY 3/4. Lower             surface varies from 5GY 3/6 to 7.5GY 3/4. Midvein color             varies from 10Y 6/4 to 2.5GY 5/4. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 16.8 mm. Average diameter 10.3             mm.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.         -   Density.—Very dense.         -   Form.—Conical, becoming elongated just before opening.         -   Pedicel.—Average length 2.4 mm. Average width 1.2 mm. Color             varies from 2.5GY 7/10 to 7.5R 3/8. Surface — glabrous.         -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 7/8 to 5RP 7/10. -   Flowers:     -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 26, 2015. Date of             Petal Fall Mar. 7, 2015, varies slightly with climatic             conditions.         -   Size.—Large, showy. Average height 19.7 mm. Average diameter             32.4 mm.         -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Size —             large. Average length 19.5 mm. Average width 17.9 mm. Form —             orbicular. Petal apex — rounded. Petal base — truncate.             Margin — sinuate. Arrangement — overlapping. Both upper and             lower surfaces glabrous. Color varies from 5RP 8/4 to 2.5RP             8/6, fades with age of flower.         -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —             large. Average length 5.8 mm. Average width 6.0 mm. Shape —             ovate, apex rounded to triangular. Margin — entire. Color —             upper surface varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5R 3/8. Lower surface             varies from 5R 2/6 to 7.5R 2/6. Surface — upper surface             glabrous, lower surface pubescent.         -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 38. On average, the             stamens are below the height of the petals. Filament color             varies from N 9.5/(white) to 7.5RP 9/2, depending on age of             flower. Anther color varies from 5R 3/8 to 5R 2/8.         -   Pollen.—Self fertile. Color varies from 5Y 8.5/8 to 7.5Y             8.5/8.         -   Pistil.—Number — normally one. Average length 14.3 mm.             Position of stigma even with anthers. Surface — pubescent.             Color varies from 7.5Y 7/8 to 7.5Y 7/10.         -   Fragrance.—Moderate.         -   Color.—Varies from 2.5RP 8/6 to 5RP 8/6.         -   Pedicel.—Average length 5.3 mm. Average width 1.3 mm. Color             varies from 2.5GY 7/8 to 5R 2/4.         -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Normally one. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe and ready for             consumption.         -   Date of first picking.—May 21, 2015.         -   Date of last picking.—May 31, 2015, varies slightly with             climatic conditions.         -   Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 58.2 mm. Average             transversely in suture plane 71.8 mm. Average weight 189.6             grams, varies slightly with fertility of soil, amount of             thinning and climatic conditions.         -   Form.—Globose.         -   Suture.—Slightly lipped, extends from base to apex.         -   Ventral surface.—Slightly lipped.         -   Apex.—Slightly retuse.         -   Base.—Retuse.         -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.             Average depth 4.9 mm. Average diameter 3.3 mm. -   Stem:     -   -   Size.—Small. Average length 7.3 mm. Average diameter 3.3 mm.         -   Color.—Varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 6/8. -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.         -   Texture.—Firm, meaty, crisp.         -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.         -   Firmness.—Good, comparable to other commercial peach             varieties.         -   Aroma.—Moderate.         -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.         -   Eating quality.—Very good.         -   Flavor.—Very good, a good balance between acid and sugar.         -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.         -   Acidity.—Not available.         -   Brix.—Average Brix 12.0°, varies slightly with amount of             fruit per tree and climatic conditions.         -   Pit cavity.—Average length 33.6 mm. Average width 29.0 mm.             Average depth 10.9 mm. Color varies from 2.5Y 6/6 to 2.5Y             5/6.         -   Color.—Varies from 5Y 7/8 to 5Y 7/6. -   Skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface.—Smooth.         -   Pubescence.—Moderate amount, short in length.         -   Tendency to crack.—None.         -   Color.—Ground color varies from 5Y 7/4 to 7.5Y 7/4.             Overspread with 7.5R 2/4 to 7.5R 3/10.         -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.         -   Astringency.—Undetected. -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone. Adherence to flesh present, strong.         -   Size.—Large. Average length 32.6 mm. Average width 28.0 mm.             Average thickness 19.8 mm.         -   Form.—Ovoid.         -   Base.—Flat.         -   Apex.—Rounded.         -   Surface.—Pitted throughout, pits vary from rounded to             elongated.         -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from suture             plane.         -   Ridges.—Relatively smooth, extending from base to apex.         -   Tendency to split.—None.         -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 7/6 to 10YR 6/6 when dry. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 18.2 mm. Average width             11.5 mm. Average depth 6.3 mm.         -   Form.—Ovoid.         -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.         -   Skin color.—Varies from 7.5Y 9/4 to 10Y 9/2. -   Use:     -   -   Dessert.—Market — local and long distance. -   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage 3 weeks at 38° to     42° F. without shriveling, internal breakdown of flesh or     appreciable loss of flavor. -   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or flesh     bruising during picking, packing and shipping trials. -   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing     for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been     designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and     harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions     near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance     or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection     observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal     fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and     eliminated from our breeding program. No atypical     resistances/susceptibilities have been noted under normal cultural     practices. The present new variety of peach tree, its flowers,     foliage and fruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to     climate, soil conditions and cultural practices under which the     variety may be grown. The present description is that of the variety     grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Modesto,     Calif. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree, substantially as illustrated and described. 